Page 2 of Lost With My Enemy

"If Griffin Wyatt is suggesting it, the plan involves zero structure, at least one person I've never met, and a level of spontaneity that would give me hives."

"The friend is driving from Toronto to Calgary. Leaving tomorrow morning. He's got room in his car. Griffin says he's a good guy."

"Griffin thinks everyone is a good guy. Griffin thought The Screaming Oaks were an acoustic band."

Sloane laughs, which is rude given the circumstances. "His name is Jaxon Mills. He's a photographer. Outdoor adventure stuff. Based in Calgary, was in Toronto for a shoot, and he's driving home."

"Why is he driving and not flying?"

"Because he has a car full of camera equipment and apparently doesn't believe in checking bags."

Of course he doesn't.

"Fourteen days, give or take," Sloane continues. "He's taking the northern route. Through Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, across the prairies. Says he wants to shoot some locations along the way."

"Fourteen days to drive what Google Maps says is thirty-four hours."

"He's making stops."

"He's meandering."

"He's offering you a ride to Calgary when you have zero other options, Elise."

My name, full and unabbreviated, lands with the weight of a verdict. Sloane only uses it when she's done negotiating.

The planner is open on the counter. Today's page is pristine. Tomorrow's is blocked in neat segments: airport shuttle, 6:15 AM. Board, 8:40 AM. Land YYC, 11:05 AM local. Client site walkthrough, 2:00 PM.

None of that is happening anymore.

"I'll need his number," I hear myself say, and the words taste like defeat wrapped in common sense.

"Already texted it to you. Also, Griffin says to tell you that Jaxon is, quote, the most chill human on the planet, and you'll love him."

"Griffin and I have very different definitions of love."

"Griffin and you have very different definitions of chill."

She's not wrong.

We hang up, and I stare at the contact Sloane sent over. Jaxon Mills. No photo. Just a 403 area code and a future I didn't plan for.

My thumbs hover over the keyboard for a solid minute before I type.

Hi, this is Elise Boyd. Griffin Wyatt gave Sloane your number. I understand you're driving to Calgary tomorrow and might have room for a passenger. I'd like to discuss logistics if you're available.

The three dots appear almost instantly, and I straighten my posture without thinking about it.

hey elise! griffin told me about you. totally down to have company on the drive. fair warning i don't really do itineraries but we'll figure it out. what time works to meet up tomorrow?

Zero capitalization. A single period that feels accidental. "Totally down." "We'll figure it out."

My left eye twitches.

I'll have a proposed route and schedule ready by tonight. What's your address? I can send a car to collect your things and consolidate luggage at a central departure point.

lol i was just gonna say meet me at the tim hortons on queen and spadina at 8. i'll be the one in the truck.

My eyes close.